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Actor Quotes

The craft, nerves, and quiet discipline of acting.

These actor quotes capture the appeal of the work itself over the discomfort of interviews, the rehearsal room as the real proving ground, and the personal risk of choosing acting as a career in the first place. See Character for more on building a role.

I'm a reasonably good actor, and I'm an average naval officer. Ha, ha!

Quotes by Mark Hadlow

I haven't gotten labeled as a Hispanic actor.

Quotes by Mario Lopez

As an actor, of course, you want to be in something that's successful.

Quotes by Marina Sirtis

My career has been a roller coaster ride. And every actor experiences that phase.

Quotes by Manoj Bajpayee

One of the many joys of being an actor is to understand the human psychology.

Quotes by Manisha Koirala

So I'm truly an actor who sings, and not a singer who acts.

Quotes by Mandy Patinkin

I've had the opportunity to work as an actor and tell stories that transform.

Quotes by Malik Yoba

My favorite actor who played villains - who could play anything, really - was Jimmy Cagney.

Quotes by Malcolm McDowell

An actor cannot be a censor. I'm there to interpret.

Quotes by Malcolm McDowell

How much money I demand - or don't demand - is my prerogative as an actor. However, when it comes to commercials, my outlook is different. And in that area, I do try to set certain standards, financially or otherwise.

Quotes by Mahira Khan

As a theater actor I always wondered, 'Is there a place for me in Hollywood?'

Quotes by Maggie Siff

There is a kind of invisible thread between the actor and the audience, and when it's there it's stunning, and there is nothing to match that.

Quotes by Maggie Smith

I became a dancer late and an actor late.

Quotes by Mads Mikkelsen

If I wasn't an actor, I would probably be writing or doing something with psychology.

Quotes by Maddie Hasson

But I'm an actor and I like to just keep working.

Quotes by M. Emmet Walsh

I had a background in theater as an actor, and then a photographer, and then as an experimental filmmaker and editor.

Quotes by Lynn Shelton

I'm really in no danger of being perceived as a famous movie actor!

Quotes by Lyle Lovett

I think there are always actor parts, and then there are movie-star parts, and an actor's always an actor until he does a movie-star part.

Quotes by Lynda Obst

Broadway is the actor's Mt. Everest - but with more flattering frocks.

Quotes by Lydia Leonard

I had this notion that maybe I wanted to be an actor... I thought it might be a neat career. I thought if I was going to try that, I should shoot for the best, and I auditioned for Julliard.

Quotes by Luke Macfarlane

Frequently Asked Questions

What do these quotes reveal about the life of an actor?
They touch on the simple joy of the work itself, the contrast between acting and being interviewed, the importance of rehearsal, and how big a personal shift becoming an actor can be. For more reflections on identity, see our Being quotes.
Is there a quote about enjoying the work of acting itself?
Yes — it says, "One of the things I enjoyed the most is just working as an actor."
Does one quote compare acting to being interviewed?
Yes. It says, "I believe it's easier to be an actor. Somehow, interviewing seems to be intrusive on people's lives." For more on the craft of acting, check out our Character quotes.
Is there a quote about the importance of rehearsal?
Yes — it states, "The rehearsal is where it all happens for an actor." If you enjoy quotes about dedication to a craft, our Always quotes are worth a look.
Does one quote describe becoming an actor as a big life change?
Yes, it says, "My becoming an actor was a massive shift for me, and a terrifying one." For more on embracing big life changes, see our Good quotes.

Browse Being or Good for more perspectives on performance and identity.